Lagos: The Lagos State Government and the City of London have initiated a groundbreaking partnership aimed at fostering technological innovation and collaboration between these two global cities. The announcement was made by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, during a Tech Summit organized by London and Partners in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the summit marked the first official London trade mission to Nigeria, signaling a growing interest in technology collaboration. The event, themed 'Bridging Borders: How London and Lagos Can Shape the Future of Global Technology,' focused on leveraging the unique strengths of both cities to drive digital transformation and influence the future of global technology.
Khan emphasized Lagos's significance as Africa's tech capital, comparing it to London's role in Europe. He noted that while many African unicorns are based in Lagos, London boasts over 120 unicorns. The mayor also highlighted the potential of London's African diaspora, particularly the 150,000 people of Nigerian descent, as a catalyst for cooperation and growth between London and Nigeria.
Lagos Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Olatubosun Alake, advocated for a robust innovation corridor between London and Lagos. He underscored the creative and commercial strengths of both cities, despite Lagos facing challenges such as inconsistent power supply and heavy traffic. Alake stressed the importance of building strong connections to unlock potential and envisioned a partnership that combines London's financial resources with Lagos's innovative landscape.
Alake mentioned the collaboration's focus on advancing digital finance, ethical data use, and establishing a tech highway between the two cities. He highlighted successful collaborations like Moneypoint, which tests fintech models in Nigeria's challenging markets. He also noted Lagos's efforts in laying over 4,000km of fibre optic cables, launching tech hubs, and prioritizing STEM education for girls.
The commissioner encouraged partnerships to co-invest and co-build, warning against regulatory delays that might allow the next unicorn to arise elsewhere. He urged Nigerian tech leaders to form alliances, emphasizing the value of collaboration.
Howard Dawber, London's Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, described the mission as a significant step for trade and innovation, supporting London firms expanding into Nigeria and positioning London as a launchpad for African business growth. Future Africa's Founding Partner, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, expressed optimism for a lasting transatlantic innovation partnership.
British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, stated that the Mayor's visit underscores the UK's commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, opening new opportunities for inclusive economic growth.